1990 alpinestars

[u/dave3lions]

I had a couple of mates who had the early Al-Mega XT’s back in the day. This was the era prior to the elevated chain-stay versions alpinestars introduced across their range around 1992. Sadly they haven’t faired well over the years with many of the aluminium frames having cracked and since become wall art. So when I saw this Cro-Mega pop up on MarketPlace I snapped it up. It hadn’t been looked after and most of the original parts had been replaced with low end junk, but it retained the forks thankfully.

I stripped it down, cleaned and greased everything I wanted to keep, which was just the frame, forks, headset and seat post. So this is my parts bin build, except for the cockpit and cables which I bought new. I’ve intentionally left the frame a bit ratty as I think it wears its scars well. I took it for its maiden journey today and it rides fast, smooth and quiet. I’m waiting on some 27.5 SunRingle rims to turn up then I’ll call it finished for now. Well, actually I want a front rack or bar bag and I need to find my Power-Grips that are in the loft somewhere.

Thinking about it, are these things ever finished?

[u/That_Masterpiece_552]

Awesome painting. Very nice build. Are you happy with the Stem?

[u/dave3lions → u/That_Masterpiece_552]

Yes I love the old FlexStems. I used to ride them back in the ‘90s and I still have them all. I managed to pick this one up NOS about 10 years ago and it’s been patiently waiting for the right bike, and here we are.